Gulshan attack dented country’s image: PM

Dhaka-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday bemoaned that the Gulshan terror attack has dented the country’s well-regarded position at the global stage earned through facing militancy, terrorism and gearing up development activities. “We’re marching towards progress and have taken the country to an esteemed position…I had talked louder when I had last joined Asem summit…but Bangladesh is now experiencing what other parts of the world are doing,” she sad.
Sheikh Hasina came up with the remarks at a press conference at her official residence Ganobhaban on her Mongolia tour.
The Prime Minister lamented that though there was a perception that mainly madrasah students and children from poor families get involved in militancy, now it is seen the children from well-off families are indulging in terrorism though their demands are hardly remain unfulfilled.
“The children of rich families are indulging in terrorism with a lust for having Hur-Pori hereafter,” she noted.
The Prime Minister, however, said Bangladesh has not lost all of its high regard and fame. “If we lose our fame, then all throughout the world would lose respect as such attacks and incidents are taking place in most of the countries…we’re no exception.”
Terming terrorism a ‘global problem’ now, Hasina said her government is taking all-out steps to create mass awareness against this menace.
She said awareness has been created against terrorism not only in Bangladesh, but also elsewhere in the world, and that day is not far way when all would be vocal against this demon.
Reiterating that Bangladesh would remain always against terrorism and militancy at any cost or by any means, Hasina called upon people of the country to remain vigil in this regard and take their steps from their respective positions.
Following the Gulshan attack, Hasina said she had to endure tremendous pain following the Gulshan attack although her government had built such good image of Bangladesh in the global arena. The Gulshan attack has put a question mark to Bangladesh to some extent.
Referring to the recent various terrorist attacks in France, Belgium, Germany, India and even in the USA, she put emphasis on creating much more awareness in all societies and families in tackling the menace.
Highlighting various steps of her government in strengthening the anti-terrorism and anti-militancy activities, Hasina said the committees are being formed at village level to combat terrorism and militancy, while religious leaders have been preaching constantly against terrorism and militancy. “The most important thing, I think, to create public awareness.”
Replying to another question, Hasina said it would not be possible to reveal the whole progress regarding investigation into the Gulshan attack as whatever is deemed necessary only that is being made public.
Public Administration Minister Syed Ashraful Islam, Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali, Information Minister Hasanul Haque Inu, PM’s Media Adviser Ikbal Sobhan Chowdhry, AL Presidium Member Advocate Sahara Khatun, State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam were present at the Dias during the press conference, conducted by PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim.